ARTICLES

Watch your Loved one's social drinking. You should know when it becomes a problem

20 Aug 2016

We have a common notion , that addiction is a condition which is rare to find and people who are affected by it are grossly dysfunctional so it is easy to identify them.

However lately a concept known as “High Functioning Addict” has been proposed.

With a high functioning addict, you can toss aside the archetypal image of an “addict”. You won’t find these people lying by the sidewalk or creating ruckus in the neighborhood.

They can actually enjoy professional success, maintain active social life and hide their issues from the ones they love most- for a while, at least.

Most of them present under the garb of social drinking. However there are certain clues to pick them from others. And here the role of their loved ones, partners and spouses come into play.

- They just need to identify the problem signs and intervene before this problem grows so powerful that it takes control- or ends the user’s life.

o They make excuses for behaviors- They may justify it as a reward to their hard worker career success. They may rationalize it and say everyone is doing it and he/she does not want to lose on the party and become a spoil-sport

o Drinking more than intended- They simply can’t control their usage

o Their social circle is confined only to people who drink

o Appearing ill in the morning- May give an excuse of them being not a morning person, what could in reality be a regular hangover

o Losing interest in hobbies

o They drink to cope up with difficulties in their life

o They drink always to celebrate any occasion

o Using too much of denial- Drastically underestimating how much they drink

- Downplaying the negative consequences of their drinking

- Complaining that others are exaggerating the problem

- Blaming others for their drinking

Some more signs that can predict the worsening of alcohol problem

1. Quantity Control- Leading to tolerance , require higher and higher quantity to get the same high

2. Hide and seek around the house- You find bottles hidden here and there

3. The disappearing act- things, articles money are missing

4. A head start-Drinking something at home before going to the actual party, so that they feel high already by the time they reach the party

5. Recurrent financial problems- Alcohol is costly, isn’t it

6. Missing in action- Missing important social events and gatherings because they were out drinking somewhere else

7. Roller costar Mood- frequent mood swings

8. Sickness without any apparent cause

9. Paranoia and Panic attack

Role of Partners/ Spouses in Alcohol use disorders

Partners often struggle with a number of painful emotions including shame, fear, anger and self blame. The problem may be so overwhelming that it is easier may be to ignore it . But in the ,ong run, doing it more damage

What not to do ?

o Don’t attempt to punish, threaten, bribe or preach

o Don’t cover up or make excuses for the alcohol user to shield them from the realistic consequences of their behavior

o Don’t take over the their responsibilities

o Don’t agree with the person when they are intoxicated

o Don’t feel guilty or responsible for another’s behavior

A few take home messages for the Partners.

Ø You can’t force someone to stop drinking alcohol, unless they are motivated to do so.

Ø Don’t expect the person to stop drinking or stay sober without help

Ø Recovery is an ongoing process and it goes through many ups and downs , so don’t get discouraged.

As soon as you notice signs of dependence on Alcohol, seek instant consultation from a addiction specialist psychiatrist or psychologist.

At ePsyClinic.com, you can consult me. To book an appointment or to know more about the process & Charges, just click the pink chat button on left and type "addiction". You will be connected to a psychologist.